Jean Todt will face competition for the FIA presidency as David Ward has announced his intention to stand for election later this year.

Ward was previously director general of the FIA Foundation but - despite being able to continue in the role if he wished - he has announced his resignation from the independent Foundation in order to challenge Todt. A statement released on the FIA Foundation website explained Ward's decision.

"After much careful thought I have decided to stand as a candidate in the 2013 FIA Presidential election," Ward said. "The election period begins in September and it will be necessary for me to approach FIA members to secure nominations. In these circumstances I think that the correct course of action is to resign. Election processes inevitably involve robust and lively debate, and whilst the Foundation is independent and there is no legal requirement for me to resign, I believe that it is in the best interests of the charity that I stand down now."

Ward was formerly an advisor to Max Mosley and UK Labour leader John Smith, while he also helped with Todt's campaign that led to his election back in 2009, when Todt beat Ari Vatanen. Ward has since been working for the FIA Foundation within a variety of roles relating to road safety.

Todt himself has yet to confirm whether he will stand for election for another term as president.